Construction by the Union Pacific Railroad is underway to extend a siding track line near Parma that will result in the closure of the railroad crossing on Deb Lane and loss of direct access to U.S. Highway 20/26. Work began on Tuesday, and the permanent closure of the railroad crossing will occur on July 26.
To access US-20/26 after the crossing is removed, drivers should instead cross the railroad line and access the highway via the U.S. Highway 95 Interchange to the west. Crews will build a cul-de-sac at the end of Deb Lane so vehicles can turn around.
Changes were collectively agreed upon between the Union Pacific Railroad, the Idaho Transportation Department and the Notus-Parma Highway District #2. Increased rail activity is expected with the extension of the track line. Given increased train activity and the proximity of other crossings, stakeholders agreed it was appropriate to permanently close the Deb Lane crossing.
On Monday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin work to repave the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 from the West Blackfoot Interchange Exit 93 to Riverside Canal near the Rose Road Interchange Exit 98. This project will improve safety and the drivers’ experience with a smooth new surface.
During construction traffic will be shifted to the southbound lanes through a crossover. Drivers should expect reduced speeds through the construction zone. The project is expected to take 50 days to complete.
Throughout the course of the project, crews will be milling down the base layer of the highway to fully reconstruct the road base and driving surface. Work includes pulverizing the existing asphalt, excavating and placing new material as a base, and then paving over the top of the new base.
Travelers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system for updated traffic impacts through the construction season.
The Idaho Division of Aeronautics held their annual ACE (Aviation Career Education) Academy June 26-28, presenting aviation career options to 32 Idaho high schoolers from around the state.
Planes sit in front of the hangar
“After months of planning and coordinating, the ACE Academy was a great success!” said coordinator Shelly Towner. “The teamwork was one of the best I have experienced – it all worked like a well-oiled machine.”
Participants were able to visit the Boise Air Traffic Control Tower, utilize Mission Aviation Fellowship’s flight simulator, and tour the Boise Airport where the biggest draw was seeing the bomb-detecting dog in action. Students toured the TSA baggage area, and viewed the ongoing expansion project from the top of the parking garage.
Students also visited the Idaho National Guard to learn about aviation career fields in Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing aircraft. They visited Skywest to explore airline careers, and Western Aircraft to explore turbo-prop and business jet aviation. The National Weather Service covered aviation weather services, and at the National Interagency Fire Center the kids saw how smokejumpers, drones and aircraft are used to fight fires. The Idaho 99s taught a mini-ground school, T-Craft Aero Club discussed opportunities to train in a flying club, and our 12 volunteer pilots took the kids flying.
Many participants were enthusiastic in their review of the 2024 ACE Academy:
“This camp was so awesome! I loved every minute of it and I really wish I could do it again next year. I want to be a pilot and I learned so much. Thank you!” – Mason
“I am grateful I was selected for this unique, exciting, and fun opportunity. – Nick
“Thank you so much for the opportunity!” – Anon
“Thank you so much for putting ACE together! I had a great time and learned a lot.” – Anon
“All of the instructors were so good, and they really made us feel like it was something amazing to be a part of and the way they were so passionate about it really inspired me!” – Anon
The Idaho Transportation Department is utilizing the summer window of opportunity to resurface and repair several roadways across eastern Idaho. Pavement overlays and repairs increase the strength and longevity of our roads, helping them to better withstand the weather conditions in this region. Beginning mid-July, motorists can expect to see traffic limited to one lane as needed in the following work zones:
Interstate 15, milepost 112 at Bingham County line to Exit 119 at U.S. Highway 20 Interchange. Work in this area through Idaho Falls will be conducted at night from 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Traffic will be limited to one lane intermittently in both directions where crews are actively working. Work is expected to last approximately three weeks.
I-15 Exit 119 to Exit 143 at Sage Junction. Traffic will also be limited to one lane intermittently in both directions where crews are actively working. Work on this section of the interstate will be conducted during daytime hours and last until mid-October.
US-20 from milepost 264 at Bonneville County line to milepost 301 at the Idaho National Laboratory junction. Beginning mid-July, patch and repair work will be underway, with flaggers and one-lane closures in the working area. This section of road will also undergo a seal coat later in August. Work is expected to be complete by mid-August.
State Highway 28 milepost 101 at Lemhi River Bridge to milepost 125 at Baker, and milepost 305 to 306 on SH-93 in Salmon. These pavement projects require that a mobile hot mix plant be set up closer to the area of work so asphalt temperatures can be kept where they need to be to correctly build the road. This operation entails equipment parts and pieces being hauled with large transport trucks and then constructed at the Leadore state gravel pit. Once the plant is set up and operational, work is anticipated to last approximately eight weeks. Expect one-lane closures along SH-28 with pilot cars and flaggers in place.
SH-93 milepost 108 at Mackay to milepost 115 at Mackay Reservoir, and milepost 139 at Willow Creek Summit to SH-75 junction. Traffic will be limited to one lane intermittently using pilot cars and flaggers in the current working area. Both lanes will be open again overnight. Work is expected to begin late July and last until mid-September.
US-26 northeast of Craters of the Moon visitor center from milepost 230- 240. This section of road will be dug out and replaced with new pavement. Pilot cars and flaggers will direct traffic through one lane. Work is expected to be complete in just six days, beginning in early August.
Remember to use caution and stay alert when traveling through work zones. Up-to-date information on these projects is available by visiting 511.idaho.gov, dialing 5-1-1, or downloading the 511 app.
With consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is urging motorists to prepare themselves and their vehicles for traveling in the extreme heat.
ITD maintenance teams across Southwest Idaho are taking proactive measures by actively checking on vehicles pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. This extra diligence aims to ensure the safety and well-being of drivers during record heat, as being stranded can quickly turn dangerous in these conditions.
“We know that these scorching temperatures can pose serious risks, and our maintenance crews are committed to helping drivers stay safe on the roads. We urge all drivers to take necessary precautions and plan their trips wisely,” Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.
Alongside these actions, ITD encourages motorists to take these steps when hitting the road in triple-digit temperatures:
Top off coolant levels if needed.
Check tires and tire pressure to reduce the chances of a blowout on hot roads.
Make sure to have a spare tire for your vehicle.
Pack extra water.
Completely fill your gas tank, as the engine uses more fuel when the air conditioner is running.
Pack an emergency travel kit filled with snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit for unexpected delays.
Look before you lock. Never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles.
By following these tips and benefiting from our maintenance team’s vigilant efforts, motorists can navigate Idaho’s highways safely during periods of high temperatures.
The Canyon County Sheriff’s Alternative Sentencing Program was named ITD’s Adopt-a-Highway Group of the Year for the Southwest Idaho region during the June meeting of the Idaho Transportation Board in Boise. The honor is in recognition of efforts at keeping construction zones litter-free and specific focus on right-of-way areas near Treasure Valley highways amid an increasingly vocal traveling public weighing in on the subject, according to ITD District 3 AAH Coordinator, Jennifer Ford. She added that the group has also been focused on cleaning the freeway exits, along on- and off-ramps.
The Canyon County Sheriff’s group has been active since 1994. Last year, the group picked up more than 56,000 pounds of litter from the side of the freeway. Since forming, they have picked up around 284,000 pounds of trash.
Recently, the city of Nampa asked ITD to consider servicing the larger sections of right of way at the off-ramps and deeper sections of state-owned property beyond the right of way with litter-removal groups. When approached by ITD to help, in addition to continuing the 23-mile route they’ve cleaned since 1994, “there was no hesitation on their part and we thank them for their willingness to serve their community,” Ford explained.
The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office accomplishes their mission by utilizing inmates as a part of their court-ordered sentence, including assistance with numerous other projects throughout Canyon County in addition to picking up trash and litter from the interstate. The safety of participants in always a top priority. This includes wearing high-visibility safety vests, posting signage prior to the start of the pickup location, using vehicles with flashing lights and identifiable decals, and utilizing tools to assist with litter and trash pickup and trailers to load filled trash bags and larger trash items.
“The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office takes obvious pride in their county,“ Ford added. “They are focused on the roads on which their community travels and takes pride in working with partners in other departments and other jurisdictions to collectively brainstorm solutions for common issues.”
Idaho drivers should expect delays beginning Wednesday near Homedale, as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will apply a sealcoat to five miles of State Highway 19. This project will extend the life of the roadway.
SH-19 from the Oregon border to the U.S. Highway 95 Junction in Homedale will be reduced to one lane in the direct area crews are working, with the lane closure moving as work progresses. Vehicles parked along the route will need to be moved prior to work beginning.
Flaggers and a pilot car will help guide traffic through the project area. To minimize traffic disruptions, work will be limited to weekdays from Monday through Thursday. The project is expected to be completed in August.
It’s important for motorists to plan ahead this summer by checking traffic impacts on their route at 511.idaho.gov.
The eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp on Interstate 84 at the Simco Road Interchange (Exit 74) will be closed for construction beginning Monday and will not reopen until late August. Vehicles using these ramps will be rerouted through Mayfield (Exit 71). This closure is necessary in order for crews to pave and stripe the new ramps.
The Simco Road Bridge over the freeway will remain open as one lane. Drivers can expect reduced speeds when approaching the interchange.
Construction began in July 2023 to replace the bridge over I-84, originally built in 1959. Work is expected to be completed this fall.
The Idaho Transportation Department reminds drivers to be patient, slow down and obey all posted signs in the construction zone. Travelers should check 511.idaho.gov before driving in the area.
The eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp on I-84 at the Simco Road Interchange (Exit 74) will be closed for construction starting Monday and will not reopen until late August.
The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists to plan for nighttime Interstate 84 eastbound and westbound closures on Monday and Tuesday between the Garrity Boulevard and Ten Mile Road interchanges (Exits 38 and 42).
Crews are stripping framework and installing overhead sign foundations at the future interchange of State Highway 16 and I-84. One direction of I-84 will be closed each night during this work.
July 8:
Westbound I-84 will be closed between the Ten Mile (Exit 42) and Garrity (Exit 38) interchanges from 10 p.m. Monday night to 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. Click here for the detour map.
July 9:
Eastbound I-84 will be closed between the same interchanges from 9 p.m. Tuesday night to 5 a.m. Wednesday morning. Click here for the detour map.
The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph at night.
It is shaping up to be a deadly summer on Idaho roads. As many Idahoans make Fourth of July travel plans, the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) encourages caution behind the wheel. Since May 24, 31* people have been killed in traffic crashes in the Gem State.
Idaho is in the middle of a period called the 100 Deadliest Days. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, when there is typically a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes across the state. More people are out of school or work, on vacation, and celebrating, and risky driving behaviors like impaired driving, distracted driving, and speeding increase.
“There’s no better place to be than Idaho’s great outdoors in the summer, but we want everyone to make it home safely too,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “Our actions behind the wheel are the only way we can prevent this senseless loss of life on our roads. Plan a sober ride, like a designated driver, especially if you are celebrating the holiday far from home.”
OHS and law enforcement partners across the state are teaming up to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers. Expect to see more officers on DUI patrol now through July 10th.
For the Fourth of July and the rest of the summer, remember these driving tips:
Always wear a seat belt. It increases your chances of surviving a crash by 50%.
Drive engaged—no distractions behind the wheel.
Never drink and drive. Plan a sober ride home and encourage your friends to as well.
Obey speed limits, drive slower if conditions are poor.
